Autism Learning Support Assistant

Teaching Personnel Ltd; Horsham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full pay across half terms and bankhol

THRIVE training

Job summary

Teaching Personnel are recruiting multiple Autism Learning Support Assistants for a specialist education setting in Horsham. You’ll work 1:1 or in small groups to help pupils with Autism Spectrum Conditions feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.

This role prioritises a patient, empathetic and resilient personality over formal teaching qualifications. Driving to the school or access to a reliable lift is essential, given the location in Horsham.

Qualifications

• Ability to remain calm and supportive for pupils with autism.
• Strong empathy, patience and resilience.
• Willingness to build trusting relationships with pupils who experience the world differently.
• Full driving licence or reliable lift to commute to Horsham.
• No formal teaching qualifications required; personality matters most.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 or small-group support to pupils with autism.
• Support emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils and staff.
• Assist pupils during transitions and unstructured times.
• Implement agreed behaviour and learning support strategies.
• Support tailored activities linked to EHCP outcomes.
• Use calm, proactive approaches to manage challenging behaviour.
• Collaborate with teachers, SEN professionals and therapists.
• Record observations and contribute to pupil progress reviews.

Skills

Empathetic

Patient

Resilient

Relationship-building

Engaging personality

Job description

Autism Learning Support Assistant
Location: Horsham
Contract: Full-time, Term Time + Paid School Holidays After Probation
Salary: £23,175 per annum

Teaching Personnel are excited to recruit multiple Autism Learning Support Assistants for a specialist education setting in Horsham. This is a unique opportunity for individuals who are as charismatic and engaging as they are compassionate — someone who can inspire, connect with, and support young people on the Autism spectrum, helping them thrive both academically and personally.

You don’t need teaching qualifications to succeed — what matters most is who you are: patient, empathetic, resilient, and capable of building genuine, trusting relationships with pupils who experience the world differently.

Important: Due to the school’s location, applicants must be able to drive or have a very reliable lift to be considered.

The Role

As an Autism Learning Support Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in helping pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn. Working closely with teachers and specialists, you’ll support emotional regulation, communication, behaviour, and independence throughout the school day.

This is a relationship-led role — your calm, confident, and engaging personality will help pupils navigate challenges, celebrate progress, and develop self-confidence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide consistent 1:1 or small-group support to pupils with Autism
• Support emotional regulation, mental well-being, and positive behaviour
• Build strong, trusting relationships through patience, structure, and empathy
• Assist pupils during transitions and unstructured times
• Implement agreed behaviour and learning support strategies consistently
• Support tailored learning activities linked to EHCP outcomes
• Use calm, proactive approaches to manage challenging behaviour
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SEN professionals, and therapists
• Record observations and contribute to pupil progress reviews

Who This Role Is For

We’re looking for people who are people-focused first, skills-focused second.

Essential Personal Qualities:

• Calm, patient, and emotionally resilient
• Naturally empathetic and perceptive
• Comfortable supporting pupils who may be non-verbal or dysregulated
• Confident remaining composed in challenging situations
• Consistent, reliable, and emotionally grounded
• Open to learning, feedback, and professional development
• Able to drive to the school or have a very reliable lift

Desirable (But Not Essential) Experience:

• Experience supporting children or young people with Autism or SEN
• Backgrounds in care, youth work, psychology, education, or support roles
• Knowledge of behaviour management or emotional regulation strategies

We strongly encourage applications from individuals who may not have formal education experience but bring the right personality, values, and mindset. Your charisma and ability to connect are just as important as experience.

What’s On Offer

This is a stable, long-term role in specialist education, with benefits that genuinely support staff retention and development.

Benefits Include:

• £23,175 annual salary
• Full pay across half terms and bank holidays
• A consistent, full-time position in one specialist setting
• Ongoing guidance and support from a dedicated Teaching Personnel consultant
• Access to additional career development courses, including Safeguarding, Behaviour Management, and exclusive THRIVE training
• A deeply rewarding role where your impact is felt every day

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.